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We theoretically investigated the host–guest chemistry between belt-like cycloparaphenylenes (CPPs) and entrapped bowl-shaped sumanene and corannulene. Density functional theory calculations show that the buckybowls can be stabilized in a CPP host with an appropriately sized cavity (e.g., [10]CPP) through multi-site CH–π interactions. Arising from the confined intermolecular interactions within the cavity, the restrictive buckybowls display novel reactivity distinct from that in their free state. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visible‐light sensitive and bi‐functionally favored CO2 reduction (CRR)/evolution (CER) photocathode catalysts that can get rid of the utilization of ultraviolet light and improve sluggish kinetics is demanded to conquer the current technique‐barrier of traditional Li‐CO2 battery. Here, a kind of redox molecular junction sp2c metal‐covalent organic framework (i.e. Cu3‐BTDE‐COF) has been prepared through the connection between Cu3 and BTDE and can serve as efficient photocathode catalyst in light‐assisted Li‐CO2 battery. Cu3‐BTDE‐COF with redox‐ability, visible‐light‐adsorption region, electron‐hole separation ability and endows the photocathode with excellent round‐trip efficiency (95.2 %) and an ultralow voltage hysteresis (0.18 V), outperforming the Schiff base COFs (i.e. Cu3‐BTDA‐COF and Cu3‐DT‐COF) and majority of the reported photocathode catalysts. Combined theoretical calculations with characterizations, Cu3‐BTDE‐COF with the integration of Cu3 centers, thiazole and cyano groups possess strong CO2 adsorption/activation and Li+ interaction/diffusion ability to boost the CRR/CER kinetics and related battery property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Visible‐light sensitive and bi‐functionally favored CO2 reduction (CRR)/evolution (CER) photocathode catalysts that can get rid of the utilization of ultraviolet light and improve sluggish kinetics is demanded to conquer the current technique‐barrier of traditional Li‐CO2 battery. Here, a kind of redox molecular junction sp2c metal‐covalent organic framework (i.e. Cu3‐BTDE‐COF) has been prepared through the connection between Cu3 and BTDE and can serve as efficient photocathode catalyst in light‐assisted Li‐CO2 battery. Cu3‐BTDE‐COF with redox‐ability, visible‐light‐adsorption region, electron‐hole separation ability and endows the photocathode with excellent round‐trip efficiency (95.2 %) and an ultralow voltage hysteresis (0.18 V), outperforming the Schiff base COFs (i.e. Cu3‐BTDA‐COF and Cu3‐DT‐COF) and majority of the reported photocathode catalysts. Combined theoretical calculations with characterizations, Cu3‐BTDE‐COF with the integration of Cu3 centers, thiazole and cyano groups possess strong CO2 adsorption/activation and Li+ interaction/diffusion ability to boost the CRR/CER kinetics and related battery property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We consider local polynomial estimation for varying coefficient models and derive corresponding equivalent kernels that provide insights into the role of smoothing on the data and fill a gap in the literature. We show that the asymptotic equivalent kernels have an explicit decomposition with three parts: the inverse of the conditional moment matrix of covariates given the smoothing variable, the covariate vector, and the equivalent kernels of univariable local polynomials. We discuss finite-sample reproducing property which leads to zero bias in linear models with interactions between covariates and polynomials of the smoothing variable. By expressing the model in a centered form, equivalent kernels of estimating the intercept function are asymptotically identical to those of univariable local polynomials and estimators of slope functions are local analogues of slope estimators in linear models with weights assigned by equivalent kernels. Two examples are given to illustrate the weighting schemes and reproducing property. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The role of circRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression remains unclear. CircPIAS1 (circBase ID: hsa_circ_0007088) was identified as overexpressed in HCC cases through bioinformatics analysis. This study aimed to investigate the oncogenic properties and mechanisms of circPIAS1 in HCC development. Methods: Functional analyses were conducted to assess circPIAS1's impact on HCC cell proliferation, migration, and ferroptosis. Xenograft mouse models were employed to evaluate circPIAS1's effects on tumor growth and pulmonary metastasis in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation, and luciferase reporter assays were utilized to elucidate the molecular pathways influenced by circPIAS1. Additional techniques, including RNA pulldown, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), qPCR, and western blotting, were used to further explore the underlying mechanisms. Results: CircPIAS1 expression was elevated in HCC tissues and cells. Silencing circPIAS1 suppressed HCC cell proliferation and migration both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, circPIAS1 overexpression inhibited ferroptosis by competitively binding to miR-455-3p, leading to upregulation of Nuclear Protein 1 (NUPR1). Furthermore, NUPR1 promoted FTH1 transcription, enhancing iron storage in HCC cells and conferring resistance to ferroptosis. Treatment with ZZW-115, an NUPR1 inhibitor, reversed the tumor-promoting effects of circPIAS1 and sensitized HCC cells to lenvatinib. Conclusion: This study highlights the critical role of circPIAS1 in HCC progression through modulation of ferroptosis. Targeting the circPIAS1/miR-455-3p/NUPR1/FTH1 regulatory axis may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for HCC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineered geopolymer composites (EGC) featuring extraordinary tensile ductility are a potential alternative to engineered cementitious composite. In this study, the local bonding properties of steel bars in EGC were investigated. Monotonic loading tests of the 120 specimens were performed using the pullout test method. The study examined the ultimate tensile strain of EGC, diameter and anchorage length of the steel bar on bond performance. The results showed that the EGC, with an ultimate tensile strain of 4.57%, had the highest peak bond strength. By comparing the test results of rebar to ordinary concrete bond performance provided in several previous literature, it was demonstrated that EGC has superior bond performance with rebar compared to ordinary concrete. Based on this, suggestions were provided for the design of rebar anchorage length in EGC. Finally, a mathematical model suitable for determining the bond–slip curve between EGC and steel bars is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel and efficient method for functionalizing organosulfones has been established, utilizing a visible-light-driven intermolecular radical cascade cyclization of α-allyl-β-ketosulfones. This process employs fac-Ir(ppy)3 as the photoredox catalyst and α-carbonyl alkyl bromide as the oxidizing agent. Via this approach, the substrates experience intermolecular addition of α-carbonyl alkyl radicals to the alkene bonds, initiating a sequence of C-C bond formations that culminate in the production of organosulfone derivatives. Notably, this technique features gentle reaction conditions and an exceptional compatibility with a wide array of functional groups, making it a versatile and valuable addition to the field of organic synthesis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We previously treated small gastric submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer by precutting endoscopic band ligation but lacked precise pathological results. Then, precutting endoscopic band ligation was modified by additional snare resection after ligation to obtain tumor specimens, termed precutting endoscopic band ligation-assisted resection. Aims: In this study, we aimed to explore the safety, feasibility, and efficacy of precutting endoscopic band ligation-assisted resection. Methods: From 2021 to 2022, a total of 16 consecutive patients underwent precutting endoscopic band ligation-assisted resection to treat small gastric submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria. The clinical demography, perioperative data, and follow-up outcomes were retrospectively collected. Results: With a mean operative time of 21.3 min, all lesions were successfully and completely resected, and no severe adverse events or local recurrences occurred postoperatively. More importantly, en bloc and R0 resection were achieved in all 16 patients. Conclusion: Precutting endoscopic band ligation-assisted resection is a safe, effective, and time-saving endoscopic technique for managing gastric small gastric submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria for both diagnosis and eradication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Our study aimed to investigate the Hub genes and their prognostic value in colorectal cancer (CRC) via bioinformatics analysis. METHODS: The data set of colorectal cancer was downloaded from the GEO database (GSE21510, GSE110224 and GSE74602) for differential expression analysis using the GEO2R tool. Hub genes were screened by protein-protein interaction (PPI) comprehensive analysis. GEPIA was used to verify the expression of Hub genes and evaluate its prognostic value. The protein expression of Hub gene in CRC was analyzed using the Human Protein Atlas database. The cBioPortal was used to analyze the type and frequency of Hub gene mutations, and the effects of mutation on the patients' prognosis. The TIMER database was used to study the correlation between Hub genes and immune infiltration in CRC. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was used to explore the biological function and signal pathway of the Hub genes and corresponding co-expressed genes. RESULTS: We identified 346 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 117 upregulated and 229 downregulated. Four Hub genes (AURKA, CCNB1, EXO1 and CCNA2) were selected by survival analysis and differential expression validation. The protein and mRNA expression levels of AURKA, CCNB1, EXO1 and CCNA2 were higher in CRC tissues than in adjacent tissues. There were varying degrees of immune cell infiltration and gene mutation of Hub genes, especially B cells and CD8 + T cells. The results of GSEA showed that Hub genes and their co-expressed genes mainly participated in chromosome segregation, DNA replication, translational elongation and cell cycle. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of AURKA, CCNB1, CCNA2 and EXO1 had a better prognosis for CRC and this effect was correlation with gene mutation and infiltration of immune cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studying the response of physiological and xylem anatomical traits under cadmium stress is helpful to understand plants' response to heavy metal stress. Here, seedlings of Pinus thunbergii Parl. were treated with 50, 100 and 150 mg kg−1 Cd2+ for 28 days. Cadmium and nonstructural carbohydrate content of leaves, stems and roots, root Cd2+ flux, cadmium distribution pattern in stem xylem and phloem, stem xylem hydraulic traits, cell wall component fractions of stems and roots, phytohormonal content such as abscisic acid, gibberellic acid 3, molecule -indole-3-acetic acid, and jasmonic acid from both leaves and roots, as well as xylem anatomical traits from both stems and roots were measured. Root Cd2+ flux increased from 50 to 100 mmol L−1 Cd2+ stress, however it decreased at 150 mmol L−1 Cd2+. Cellulose and hemicellulose in leaves, stems and roots did not change significantly under cadmium stress, while pectin decreased significantly. The nonstructural carbohydrate content of both leaves and stems showed significant changes under cadmium stress while the root nonstructural carbohydrate content was not affected. In both leaves and roots, the abscisic acid content significantly increased under cadmium stress, while the gibberellic acid 3, indole-3-acetic acid and jasmonic acid methylester content significantly decreased. Both xylem specific hydraulic conductivity and xylem water potential decreased with cadmium stress, however tracheid diameter and double wall thickness of the stems and roots were not affected. High cadmium intensity was found in both the stem xylem and phloem in all cadmium stressed treatments. Our study highlighted the in situ observation of cadmium distribution in both the xylem and phloem, and demonstrated the instant response of physiological traits such as xylem water potential, xylem specific hydraulic conductivity, root Cd2+ flux, nonstructural carbohydrate content, as well as phytohormonal content under cadmium stress, and the less affected traits such as xylem anatomical traits, cellulose and hemicellulose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Twisted moiré photonic crystal is an optical analog of twisted graphene or twisted transition metal dichalcogenide bilayers. In this paper, we report the fabrication of twisted moiré photonic crystals and randomized moiré photonic crystals and their use in enhanced extraction of light in light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Fractional diffraction orders from randomized moiré photonic crystals are more uniform than those from moiré photonic crystals. Extraction efficiencies of 76.5%, 77.8% and 79.5% into glass substrate are predicted in simulations of LED patterned with twisted moiré photonic crystals, defect-containing photonic crystals and random moiré photonic crystals, respectively, at 584 nm. Extraction efficiencies of optically pumped LEDs with 2D perovskite (BA)2(MA) n −1PbnI3 n +1 of n = 3 and (5-(2′-pyridyl)-tetrazolato)(3-CF3−5-(2′-pyridyl)pyrazolato) platinum(II) (PtD) have been measured. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In mines, tunnel ventilation is monitored using wind speed sensors to measure the stability of the mine ventilation system. However, opening and closing the air door will cause violent fluctuations in the monitoring data of the wind speed sensors. When false alarms are triggered, the staff can diagnose only the mine ventilation system based on their experience. A numerical simulation method is adopted to explore the changes in the flow field during the opening and closing of the air door to address this issue. In addition, a method that is based on the wind speed data of a single sensor is proposed to identify the time and divide the stages of air door opening and closing. The experimental results showed that the proposed method can successfully identify the air door opening and closing time and apply stage division when needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A highly efficient new protocol has been developed for the formation of C−Te bonds, leading to both symmetrical and unsymmetrical diaryl tellurides. This protocol utilizes sodium aryltellurites (4), which can be easily prepared from low‐cost aryltelluride trichlorides and NaOH. The synthesis involves the use of 4 and arylazo sulfones as starting materials in the presence of (MeO)2P(O)H. A variety of diaryl tellurides are obtained in moderate to good yields using this method. Importantly, this innovative protocol eliminates the need for traditional, highly toxic aryltellurolating reagents such as diaryl ditellurides and elemental tellurium. This study will bring new vitality to the synthesis of tellurides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We conducted a network meta-analysis which aims to evaluate the comparative efficacy of different supplementation dosages of vitamin D on cardiometabolic and bone-metabolic indicators as well as insulin resistance in children and adolescents with overweight/obesity. Methods: Eligible studies published before December 10, 2022 were retrieved from PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Mean difference and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to express pooled estimates. Network meta-analysis of multiple doses, including low (< 1000 IU/day, LDS), medium (1000–2000 IU/day, MDS), high (2000–4000 IU/day, HDS), and extremely high (> 4000 IU/day, EHDS) dosage strategy, was conducted using STATA/MP 14.0. Results: Our network meta-analysis of 15 RCTs suggested that, compared with placebo and LDS, EHDS was increased 25-(OH)-D, with a pooled MD of 8.65 (95% CI 4.72–12.58) and 7.66 (95% CI 0.91–14.41), respectively. Meanwhile, EHDS also decreased ho meostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) (MD: − 0.74; 95% CI: − 1.45 to − 0.04) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (MD: − 18.99; 95% CI − 21.60 to − 16.38), and EHDS was also better than LDS (MD: − 18.47; 95% CI − 20.66 to − 16.28) and MDS (MD: − 19.69; 95% CI − 22.17 to − 17.21) in decreasing CRP. Ranking probability suggested that EHDS ranked best for increasing 25-(OH)-D, and decreasing HOMA-IR and CRP, with a probability of 86.1%, 83.1%, and 76.6%, respectively. Conclusions: The results of our network meta-analysis suggest that EHDS may be the best strategy for vitamin D supplementation to reduce inflammatory responses as well as improve insulin resistance in children and adolescents with overweight/obesity. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42023387775. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Previous studies have shown that the obesity paradox exists in a variety of clinical settings, whereby obese individuals have lower mortality than their normal-weight counterparts. It remains unclear whether the association between obesity and mortality risk varies by anthropometric measures. The purpose of this study is to examine the association between various anthropometric measures and all-cause and cause-specific mortality in US adults. Methods: This cohort study included data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2009 and 2018, with a sample size of 28,353 individuals weighted to represent 231 million US adults. Anthropometric measurements were obtained by trained technicians using standardized methods. Mortality data were collected from the date of enrollment through December 31, 2019. Weighted Cox proportional hazards models, restricted cubic spline curves, and cumulative incidence analyses were performed. Results: A total of 2091 all-cause deaths, 606 cardiovascular deaths, 519 cancer deaths, and 966 other-cause deaths occurred during a median follow-up of 5.9 years. The association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality risk was inversely J-shaped, whereas the association between waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and mortality risk was positively J-shaped. There was a progressive increase in the association between the WHtR category and mortality risk. Compared with the reference category of WHtR < 0.5, the estimated hazard ratio (HR) for all-cause mortality was 1.004 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.001–1.006) for WHtR 0.50–0.59, 1.123 (95% CI 1.120–1.127) for WHtR 0.60–0.69, 1.591 (95% CI 1.584–1.598) for WHtR 0.70–0.79, and 2.214 (95% CI 2.200–2.228) for WHtR ≥ 0.8, respectively. Other anthropometric indices reflecting central obesity also showed that greater adiposity was associated with higher mortality. Conclusions: Anthropometric measures reflecting central obesity were independently and positively associated with mortality risk, eliminating the possibility of an obesity paradox. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The dimensions and distribution pattern of bordered pits are critical to the xylem water transport function of trees. However, studies on the three-dimensional distribution pattern of pits across xylem growth rings are still limited. Here, Micro-Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) was used to acquire xylem images of two-year-old Platycladus orientalis seedlings. We analyzed the tracheid lumen diameter of 665 tracheids, pit volume, and pit diameter of 11 810 inter-tracheid pits from three radial profiles. The volume ratio of inter-tracheid pits was about 0.90–0.96%. The average pit diameter was 6.8 μm and the average pit volume was 58.9 μm3, and more than 80% of the pits had a diameter of 5–8 μm and a volume of 20–90 μm3. Both the pit diameter and the pit volume increased gradually in the radial direction from the second-year growth ring to the current-year growth ring, and the pit diameter and volume were significantly higher in earlywood than in latewood. The distribution pattern of the tracheid diameter was similar to that of the pit diameter, and the wider the tracheids, the larger the pits. The distribution of bordered pits in P. orientalis may be a critical trait explaining the xylem embolism spread pattern in this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common inflammatory arthritis in women. The effects of RA on the reproductive system are usually overlooked, as RA is not diagnosed until later in reproductive age. Whether RA itself or its related rheumatoid antibodies have an impact on female reproductive function has long been a thought-provoking issue. In brief, relevant epidemiological evidence has shown that women affected by RA are more likely to have coexisting reproductive disorders, including infertility, endometriosis, and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI), or to subsequently develop them. Furthermore, linkage between RA and pregnancy loss (PL) as well as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is also well known, albeit controversial in available evidence. RA and reproductive disorders appear to share a similar inflammatory immune response and genetic background. The stress experienced by patients with RA may affect their reproductive choices to some extent. Notably, few studies have explored the impact of rheumatoid antibodies such as rheumatoid factors (RFs) and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) on reproductive disorders. Although it has been mentioned that the rate of RF and/or ACPA positivity is higher in women with a history of PL and POI, the clinical relevance of this relationship and underlying mechanisms still need to be further clarified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Upvotes serve important purposes in online social annotation environments. However, limited studies have explored the influential factors affecting peer upvoting in online collaborative learning. In this study, we analysed the factors influencing students' upvotes received from their peers as 91 participants utilized Perusall, an online social annotation system, for collaborative reading. The participants were asked to collaboratively annotate 29 reading materials in a semester. We collected student reading behaviours and analysed their annotations with a text‐mining tool of Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count (LIWC). Moreover, conditional inference tree was used to determine the relative importance of explanatory factors to the upvotes students received. The results showed that the high‐upvote group made significantly more annotations, posted more responses to others' annotations and displayed fewer negative emotions in annotations than those who did not receive upvotes. The two groups of students had no significant differences in the upvotes given to others, as well as cognitive activities and positive emotions involved in annotations. Moreover, the number of annotations was the determining factor in predicting the upvotes that one could receive in social annotation activities. This study has significant practical implications regarding providing interventions in social annotation‐based collaborative reading.Practitioner notesWhat is already known about this topic Social annotations enhance students' reading experience, facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration, promote high‐quality learning interactions and ultimately lead to improved performance. In social annotation environments, receiving upvotes from peers is not only a type of feedback but also a form of motivation, social interaction and social validation. No study has explored the influential factors in peer upvoting within social annotation‐based learning. What this paper adds This study was the first to examine social annotations through the lens of the community of inquiry framework. We investigated the relationships between students' cognitive and social presence in their annotations and the upvotes they received in an online social annotation environment. Our study revealed the strategies for obtaining upvotes from peers in social annotation‐based learning environments. Implications for practice and/or policy The high‐upvote group made significantly more annotations, posted more responses to others' annotations and displayed fewer negative emotions in annotations compared to the low‐upvote group. The two groups of students did not show significant differences in the upvotes they gave to others or in the cognitive activities and positive emotions involved in annotations. The number of annotations was the primary factor predicting the number of upvotes received in the collaborative reading. This study could inform the design of future online social annotation systems to better support collaborative learning and peer interaction. Social annotations enhance students' reading experience, facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration, promote high‐quality learning interactions and ultimately lead to improved performance. In social annotation environments, receiving upvotes from peers is not only a type of feedback but also a form of motivation, social interaction and social validation. No study has explored the influential factors in peer upvoting within social annotation‐based learning. This study was the first to examine social annotations through the lens of the community of inquiry framework. We investigated the relationships between students' cognitive and social presence in their annotations and the upvotes they received in an online social annotation environment. Our study revealed the strategies for obtaining upvotes from peers in social annotation‐based learning environments. The high‐upvote group made significantly more annotations, posted more responses to others' annotations and displayed fewer negative emotions in annotations compared to the low‐upvote group. The two groups of students did not show significant differences in the upvotes they gave to others or in the cognitive activities and positive emotions involved in annotations. The number of annotations was the primary factor predicting the number of upvotes received in the collaborative reading. This study could inform the design of future online social annotation systems to better support collaborative learning and peer interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • 1D zeolitic imidazolate framework-nanorod (ZIF-NR) has been prepared through facet engineering of the parental 2D ZIF-L. • The Co-NCR possesses rod-like morphology, metallic Co nanoparticle, high N content, and hierarchical porous structure. • Co-NCR exhibits superior ORR activity (E onset = 0.96 V, E 1/2 = 0.88 V). • Zinc-air battery assembled with Co-NCR exhibits high performance. The properties of metal–organic framework (MOF) nanocrystals are highly dependent on their sizes, morphologies, and exposed facets. Facet engineering of MOFs offers an efficient strategy to tailor the active sites and optimize the catalytic activity of both MOFs and their derivatives. In this study, we prepared 1D zeolitic imidazolate framework-nanorod (ZIF-NR) through facet engineering of the parental 2D ZIF-L. The introduction of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTABr) surfactant into the synthesis solution hindered the crystal growth along the c -axis of leaf-like ZIF-L, resulting in the formation of 1D ZIF-NR. The derived Co nanoparticle encapsulated N doped carbon nanorod (denoted as Co-NCR) exhibited high activity and stability for electrocatalytic oxygen reduction reactions and Zn-air batteries. Facet engineering of a 2D MOF with a uniquely oriented layered structure demonstrates the possibility of designing novel electrocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Accumulating evidence demonstrates that aberrant methylation of enhancers is crucial in gene expression profiles across several cancers. However, the latent effect of differently expressed enhancers between INSS stage 4S and 4 neuroblastoma (NB) remains elusive. Methods: We utilized the transcriptome and methylation data of stage 4S and 4 NB patients to perform Enhancer Linking by Methylation/Expression Relationships (ELMER) analysis, discovering a differently expressed motif within 67 enhancers between stage 4S and 4 NB. Harnessing the 67 motif genes, we established the INSS stage related signature (ISRS) by amalgamating 12 and 10 distinct machine learning (ML) algorithms across 113 and 101 ML combinations to precisely diagnose stage 4 NB among all NB patients and to predict the prognosis of NB patients. Based on risk scores calculated by prognostic ISRS, patients were categorized into high and low-risk groups according to median risk score. We conducted comprehensive comparisons between two risk groups, in terms of clinical applications, immune microenvironment, somatic mutations, immunotherapy, chemotherapy and single-cell analysis. Ultimately, we empirically validated the differential expressions of two ISRS model genes, CAMTA2 and FOXD1, through immunochemistry staining. Results: Through leave-one-out cross-validation, in both feature selection and model construction, we selected the random forest algorithm to diagnose stage 4 NB, and Enet algorithm to develop prognostic ISRS, due to their highest average C-index across five NB cohorts. After validations, the ISRS demonstrated a stable predictive capability, outperforming the previously published NB signatures and several clinic variables. We stratified NB patients into high and low-risk group based on median risk score, which showed the low-risk group with a superior survival outcome, an abundant immune infiltration, a decreased mutation landscape, and an enhanced sensitivity to immunotherapy. Single-cell analysis between two risk groups reveals biologically cellular variations underlying ISRS. Finally, we verified the significantly higher protein levels of CAMTA2 and FOXD1 in stage 4S NB, as well as their protective prognosis value in NB. Conclusion: Based on multi-omics data and ML algorithms, we successfully developed the ISRS to enable accurate diagnosis and prognostic stratification in NB, which shed light on molecular mechanisms of spontaneous regression and clinical utilization of ISRS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The traditional real-time load warning method for distribution transformers has problems such as low recall rate, low warning accuracy, and long warning time, which may lead to potential equipment failures or overload situations not being detected and dealt with in a timely manner, increasing the safety risk of transformer operation and potentially causing safety issues such as equipment damage, fire, or power outage. Therefore, a real-time early warning method of distribution transformer load considering meteorological factor data is designed. The meteorological factor data are collected by the light sensor, humidity sensor, temperature sensor and rainfall sensor, and the load data collection architecture is built by the load monitor, central master station and maintenance station to realize the load data collection of the distribution transformer. The K-nearest neighbor (KNN) method is used to process the missing values of the data, and the LOF algorithm is used to determine the local outliers and eliminate the outliers in the data set to achieve data cleaning. Considering the load loss, hot spot temperature and meteorological factors of the distribution transformer, an early warning model is built, and the cleaned data are input into the model to realize Real-time early warning of the distribution transformer load. The experimental results show that the recall rate of this method varies from 95% to 97%, the accuracy rate of early warning is always above 94%, and the maximum value of early warning time is 0.63s. Having good early warning ability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Objectives Methods Results and Conclusions Social annotation has emerged as a promising educational technology that fosters collaborative reading and discussion of digital resources among learners. While the positive impact of social annotation on students' learning process and performance is widely acknowledged, students' behavioural patterns in social annotation are underexplored.This study investigated patterns in students' use of annotation and response behaviours in social annotation activities. We also explored how students' performance in the behavioural, cognitive, emotional, and social dimensions varied based on their behavioural patterns.We recruited 93 undergraduates who were enrolled in an elective course at a large North American University. Students were tasked with collaboratively annotating the class readings uploaded to Perusall, a social annotation platform, over 7 weeks. We used metaclustering to determine the optimal number of clusters pertaining to student behaviours. We compared the differences among clusters across multiple performance dimensions.Two distinct clusters were identified and defined as initiators and responders. We found that responders had significantly longer active reading time and exhibited greater social annotation effort compared to initiators. However, initiators received more peer acknowledgement, as evidenced by higher upvotes. No significant difference was found in cognitive insight between initiators and responders, but responders demonstrated significantly higher cognitive discrepancy. Additionally, there were no significant differences in positive and negative tones between initiators and responders; however, responders displayed higher levels of prosocial behaviours than initiators. This study has significant practical implications regarding promoting students' collaborative learning experience in social annotation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Although the paradoxical association between obesity and improved survival has been reported in a variety of clinical settings, its applicability to intensive care unit (ICU) outcomes in older critically ill patients remains unclear. We sought to examine the association between obesity and 30-day mortality and other adverse outcomes in this population. Methods: We analyzed data of older patients (≥ 60 years) in the eICU Collaborative Research Database. Body mass index (BMI) was stratified according to the World Health Organization obesity classification. Logistic regression model was used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs), and cubic spline curve was used to explore the nonlinear association between BMI and 30-day ICU outcomes. Stratified analysis and sensitivity analysis were also performed. Results: Compared with class I obesity, under- and normal-weight were associated with higher all-cause, cardiovascular and noncardiovascular mortality, and class III obesity was associated with greater all-cause and cardiovascular mortality (OR, 1.18 [95% CI, 1.06–1.32], 1.28 [1.08–1.51]). Obesity classes II and III were associated with higher composite all-cause mortality, mechanical ventilation, or vasoactive drug usage risks (OR, 1.12 [95% CI, 1.04–1.20], 1.33 [1.24–1.43]). Mechanical ventilation was strongly positively associated with BMI. A significant BMI-by-sex interaction was observed for cardiovascular mortality, such that the association between severe obesity and mortality was more pronounced among older men than older women. Conclusions: The obesity paradox does not appear to apply to short-term ICU outcomes in older patients with critical illness, mainly due to increased all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in severely obese patients, particularly in men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) are one of the most promising candidates for electric energy storage devices due to their merits of low cost and high safety. However, the notorious side reactions and dendrite formation on zinc anodes impede the commercialization of ZIBs. In this work, a cheap and edible electrolyte additive sucrose is applied to address the above issues. Sucrose with hydroxyl groups can react as zincophilic sites to adsorb Zn2+. As verified by Raman and FT-IR spectroscopy, the solvation structure of Zn2+ and the hydrogen bonds can be regulated by the sucrose molecule. The weakened solvated structure of Zn2+ and lowered coupling degree between Zn2+ and SO42− can inhibit the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and the generation of the sulfate by-product. Furthermore, a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI)-like ion buffer layer is formed because of the preferentially adsorbed sucrose, which can increase the nucleation overpotential and equalize the ion distribution. The enriched Zn nucleation sites and inhibited 2D diffusion of Zn2+ resulting from the sucrose additive enable uniform Zn deposition. Thus, improved performances of symmetric Zn‖‖Zn, asymmetric Zn‖‖Cu and Zn‖‖VO2 cells are realized. The Zn‖‖Zn cell exhibits a highly reversible cycling performance for 1200 h and 400 h at 5 mA cm−2/1 mA h cm−2 and 10 mA cm−2/5 mA h cm−2, respectively. This work provides a readily available and edible additive to improve the performance of ZIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of the study was to examine (a) students' social annotation behaviors and engagement change in an undergraduate course throughout the semester, and (b) which social annotation behaviors impact active engagement time. A total of 91 university students' social annotation behaviors, as well as their active engagement time in readings, were collected from a social annotation system named Perusall. Longitudinal growth modeling analysis revealed that (a) students' active engagement time on readings declined over the course of the semester with a significant variation in the changes among individual students, and (b) all social annotation behaviors, except for the number of question upvotes given by students, were positive predictors of active engagement time. These findings are discussed in terms of the implications, limitations, and future directions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A photocurable ceramic precursor slurry with a carbon fiber content of up to 25 vol% was prepared and carbon fiber reinforced SiC ceramic matrix composites (C f /SiC composites) were successfully fabricated by stereolithography (SLA) combined with precursor infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP). The photocuring ability of the precursor composite slurry was investigated. The calculated result showed that the penetration depth of the slurry prepared with polycarbosilane (PCS) powder and chopped carbon fiber was 59.98 μm, which was suitable for stereolithography. In addition, the bulk density, porosity, flexural strength and micromorphology of the green body, debinding body and final C f /SiC composites were analyzed in detail. After eight cycles of PIP, the bulk density and flexural strength of final C f /SiC composites were 2.03 ± 0.04 g/cm3, 109.99 ± 15.05 MPa, respectively. This work provides a reference for additive manufacturing of C f /SiC composites by stereolithography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through literature research, the unplugging mechanism of various wellbore unplugging fluids was analyzed, and the application progress, advantages and disadvantages of various types of commonly used wellbore deplugging fluids were summarized. The research progress of new deplugging working fluids such as organic deplugging working fluid, organic slow-release microlactic acid deplugging working solution and composite deplugging working fluid was introduced. The problems existing in the preparation and practical application of plugging fluids were analyzed, and the development trend of unplugging liquids in the future was proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper investigates the progressive collapse behavior of composite beam-column connection subassembly under column removal scenarios. An analytical model is proposed based on the rigid-plastic assumptions, in which the plastic hinges and inelastic rotations are assumed to develop concentratedly at only the connection interfaces, whereas the remaining parts are rigid except for the axial shortening/lengthening deformation when subjected to compressive/tensile forces. The component-based joint model proposed by Eurocodes is utilized to approximate the axial and plastic moment resistances of composite beam-column connections. The method to determine the force-displacement relationship of each connection component is presented in detail, particularly for the concrete slab and profiled steel decking where the actual nonuniform stress distributions along the slab thickness and width are carefully considered. By comparing with the published test results of composite joints under respective hogging and sagging moment, the proposed rigid-plastic model is capable of predicting the progressive collapse behavior of composite beam-column connection subassembly with reasonable accuracy. Based on the verified model, a parametric study is conducted with focus on the effect of lateral restraint stiffness on the collapse-resisting capacity of composite beam-column connection subassembly under column removal scenarios. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The link between subduction and continental exhumation is explored using high‐resolution thermal histories from southern Great Xing'an Range (GXR), NE Asia and integrated with a regional low‐temperature thermochronology data synthesis from the NE Asian continental margin. The GXR thermal histories are constrained by multiple thermo‐, geochronometers (zircon, titanite, apatite U‐Pb, zircon, apatite (U‐Th)/He and apatite fission track). These data yield a large range in U‐Pb ages (292–119 Ma) with enhanced exhumation mainly during the early Cretaceous (ca. 155–110 Ma) in an extensional regime linked to roll‐back of the Paleo‐Pacific Ocean and consequent lithospheric thinning and delamination. Integrated with Cretaceous‐Cenozoic low‐temperature thermochronological data from the NE Asian continent margin, three regional phases of exhumation are recognized, which can be linked to changes in the geometry and kinematics of the subduction systems of the Paleo‐Pacific and Pacific oceans, demonstrating coupling between the subducting plate and the continental margin at active plate boundaries. Plain Language Summary: Thermochronological data sets enable orogen‐scale investigations into the spatio‐temporal patterns of exhumation on continental margins, and provide additional constraints on how the tectonic evolution of the crust is controlled by subduction. We employ geochronology (zircon U‐Pb), low‐temperature thermochronology (zircon, apatite (U‐Th)/He) and medium‐high temperature thermochronology (titanite, apatite U‐Pb) data to model the thermal evolution histories of the southernmost segment of the GXR in NE China. The inverse modeling results show rapid cooling and exhumation from ca. 155–110 Ma. This coincides with the initiation of slab roll‐back of the Paleo‐Pacific Ocean in NE Asia, which was responsible for cooling and exhumation in an extensional regime. In addition, we compile the available low‐temperature thermochronology data (zircon, apatite fission track and (U‐Th)/He) from the NE Asian continental margin from Late Cretaceous (ca. 110 Ma) to constrain regional exhumation events. These data show three main exhumation phases from the Late Cretaceous onwards. Combined with the data on the regional evolution of magmatism, sedimentary basins and deformation, the three exhumation phases can be linked to changes in the geometry of the Paleo‐Pacific ocean and Pacific ocean plates in NE Asia, thus showing coupling between continental exhumation and subduction. Key Points: The southernmost Great Xing'an Range experienced rapid cooling and exhumation during Early Cretaceous accompanied by voluminous magmatismA synthesis of low‐temperature thermochronology data from NE Asia shows three pulses of Mesozoic to Cenozoic exhumationThree exhumation phases on the East Asia margin are linked to subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific Ocean/Pacific Ocean from the late Early Cretaceous [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To evaluate the efficiency and long-term renal function of nephron sparing surgery (NSS) in unilateral WT patients compared with radical nephrectomy (RN). The review was performed following Cochrane Handbook guidelines and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). We searched five databases (Pubmed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane) for studies reporting the efficiency and late renal function of NSS and/or RN on February 10, 2023. Comparative studies were evaluated by Risk of Bias in Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) and RoB 2.0. Assessed outcomes included survival rate, relapse rate, eGFR, renal dysfunction and hypertension. 26 studies involving 10322 unilateral WT cases underwent RN and 657 unilateral WT cases underwent NSS were enrolled. Overall effect estimates demonstrated that NSS significantly increased eGFR at follow-up (SMD, 0.38; 95% CI 0.05-0.72; p = 0.025) compared to that at diagnosis, and RN did not significantly decrease eGFR at follow-up (SMD, − 0.33; 95% CI − 0.77–0.11; p = 0.142) compared to that at diagnosis. Moreover, no significant difference was found in outcomes of survivability (OR, 1.38; 95% CI 0.82–2.32; p = 0.226), recurrence (OR, 0.62; 95% CI 0.34–1.12; p = 0.114), eGFR at follow-up (SMD, 0.16; 95% CI − 0.36–0.69; p = 0.538), renal dysfunction (OR, 0.36; 95% CI 0.07–1.73; p = 0.200) and hypertension (OR, 0.17; 95% CI 0.03–1.10; p = 0.063). Current evidence suggests that NSS is safe and effective for unilateral WT patients, because it causes better renal function and similar oncological outcomes compared with RN. Future efforts to conduct more high-quality studies and explore sources of heterogeneity is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SnSe is a promising thermoelectric material because of its intrinsic low lattice thermal conductivity. However, the inferior electrical transport properties restrict the thermoelectric performance of n-type SnSe polycrystals especially at lower temperature range. In this work, an effective strategy to enhance the performance of n-type SnSe polycrystals by CeCl 3 doping is reported. CeCl 3 doping increased both the carrier concentration and electrical conductivity. The high weighted mobility contributed to the high power factor over the whole temperature range. Combined with the reduced thermal conductivity, a peak zT of ∼1.3 at 823 K was obtained in SnSe 0.92 +1 mol% CeCl 3 with an average zT of ∼0.36 in the temperature range of 300–773 K. This work suggests that CeCl 3 doping is an effective way to optimize the thermoelectric properties of n-type SnSe polycrystals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Key message: Functional loss of Arabidopsis Sar1b with that of either Sar1a or Sar1c inhibits mitosis of functional megaspores, leading to defective embryo sac formation and reduced fertility. Vesicular trafficking among diverse endomembrane compartments is critical for eukaryotic cells. Anterograde trafficking from endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi apparatus is mediated by coat protein complex II (COPII) vesicles. Among five cytosolic components of COPII, secretion-associated Ras-related GTPase 1 (Sar1) mediates the assembly and disassembly of the COPII coat. Five genes in Arabidopsis encode Sar1 isoforms, whose different cargo specificities and redundancy were both reported. We show here that Arabidopsis Sar1a, Sar1b, and Sar1c mediate the development of female gametophytes (FGs), in which Sar1b plays a major role, whereas Sar1a and Sar1c play a minor role. We determined that female transmission of sar1a;sar1b or sar1c;sar1b was significantly reduced due to defective mitosis of functional megaspores. Half of ovules in sar1a;sar1b/+ or sar1c;sar1b/+ plants failed to attract pollen tubes, leading to fertilization failure. The homozygous sar1a;sar1b or sar1c;sar1b double mutant was obtained by introducing either UBQ10:GFP-Sar1b or UBQ10:GFP-Sar1c, supporting their redundant function in FG development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Carbapenem-resistant hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (CR-hvKP) is gradually becoming the dominant nosocomial pathogens in the healthcare setting. Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on patients with CR-KP from July 2021 to May 2022 in a teaching hospital. We identified bacterial isolates, collected the clinical data, and performed antimicrobial susceptibility testing, hypermucoviscosity string test, antimicrobial and virulence-associated genotype, as well as multi-locus sequence typing. CR-hvKP was defined as the presence of some combination of rmpA and/or rmpA2 with iucA, iroB, or peg-344. SPSS was used for data analysis. Univariate logistic regression analyses were used for risk factor and all statistically significant variables were included in the multivariate model. Statistical significance was taken to be P < 0.05. Results: A total of 69 non-duplicated CR-KP isolates were collected, 27 of which were CR-hvKP. Out of the 69 CR-KP strains under investigation, they were distributed across 14 distinct sequence types (STs), wherein ST11 exhibited the highest prevalence, constituting 65.2% (45/69) of the overall isolates. The principal carbapenemase genes identified encompassed blakpc−2, blaNDM−1, and blaOXA−48, with blakpc−2 prevailing as the predominant type, accounting for 73.9% (51/69). A total of 69 CR-KP strains showed high resistance to common clinical antibiotics, with the exception of ceftazidime/avibactam. The ST11 (P = 0.040), ST65 (P = 0.030) and blakpc−2 ST11 clones (P = 0.010) were found to be highly related to hvKp. Regarding the host, tracheal intubation (P = 0.008), intracranial infection (P = 0.020) and neutrophil count (P = 0.049) were significantly higher in the patients with CR-hvKP. Multivariate analysis showed tracheal intubation to be an independent risk factor for CR-hvKP infection (P = 0.030, OR = 4.131). According to the clinical data we collected, tracheal intubation was performed mainly in the elderly with severe underlying diseases, which implied that CR-hvKP has become prevalent among elderly patients with comorbidities. Conclusions: The prevalence of CR-hvKP may be higher than expected in the healthcare setting. CR-hvKP is gradually becoming the dominant nosocomial pathogen, and its prevalence and treatment will be a major challenge. It is essential to enhance clinical awareness and management of CR-hvKP infection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Clonorchiasis, caused by the infection of Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis), is a kind of neglected tropical disease, but it is highly related to cholangiocarcinoma. It has been well known that NO from chronic inflammation responses are thought to be a major component of the damage and ultimate carcinogenesis ESPs such as nitric oxide synthase interacting protein (NOSIP) are thought to enhance the damage. The objective of this study was to identify the protein candidates interact with recombinant CsNOSIP (rCsNOSIP) and explore their role involved in CCA development or progression. Methods: We applied HuProt microarray containing 21,000 probe sets for a systematic identification of rCsNOSIP-binding proteins and grouped binding hits by gene function. Pull-down assays were used to confirm the interaction of rCsNOSIP with alveolar soft part sarcoma (ASPSCR-1) and sirtuins 5 (Sirt-5). ASPSCR-1/Sirt-5 over-expression and siRNA knockdown experiments were employed for obtain of ASPSCR-1/Sirt-5 high or low expression (ASP-oe/Sirt5-oe or ASP-si/Sirt5-si) cholangiocarcinoma cell line (CCLP-1) cells. Nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species assay (ROS) as well as cell proliferation and wound-healing assays were performed to observe the effect of rCsNOSIP on ASP-oe/Sirt5-oe or ASP-si/Sirt5-si CCLP-1 cells. Results: Seventy candidate proteins protein "hits" were detected as rCsNOSIP-binding proteins by HuProt microarray and bioinformatics analysis. Pull down assay showed that ASPSCR-1 and Sirt-5 could interact with rCsNOSIP. In addition, endotoxin-free-rCsNOSIP could increase the production of NO and ROS and promote the migration of CCLP-1 cells, while its effect on enhancing cell proliferation was not significant. Furthermore, ROS/NO production, proliferation, or migration were increased in ASP-si or Sirt5-si CCLP-1 cells but decreased in Asp-oe or Sirt5-oe CCLP-1 cells when stimulated with rCsNOSIP. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that CsNOSIP as a component of CsESPs might promote the development and invasion of CCA and Sirt5/ ASPSCR1 as host molecules might play a novel protective role against adverse stimulus during C. sinensis infection. This work supports the idea that CsESPs induce the occurrence and progression of CCA through ROS/RNS-induced oxidative and nitrative DNA damage. Author summary: Clonorchis sinensis (C. sinensis) is prevalent in China, Korea, and Vietnam, and 15–20 million people are estimated to be infected by this fluke, creating a socio-economic burden in epidemic regions. It is generally believed that excretory-secretory products from C. sinensis (CsESPs) can directly interact with the biliary epithelium and induce host inflammatory response. Our previous studies have manifested that CsNOSIP as a component of CsESPs can trigger nitrative and oxidative stress by enhancing the release of NO and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in macrophage. In the current study, we identified rCsNOSIP-binding proteins by HuProt microarray. In addition, we demonstrated that ASPSCR-1 and Sirt-5 could interact with rCsNOSIP by pull down assay. Moreover, rCsNOSIP could increase the production of NO and ROS and promote the migration of human CCLP-1 cells by using NO assay, detection of ROS assay as well as wound-healing assays. Our study provided new information about rCsNOSIP in promoting CCA invasion and metastasis as well as a novel protective role of SIRT5/ ASPSCR1 against adverse stimulus and support a basis for further discovery of drug targets for prevention and control of clonorchiasis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Gastric cancer (GC) is a common malignant tumor with high morbidity and mortality rates that seriously affects human health worldwide. Although surgery is currently the preferred clinical treatment for GC, chemotherapy remains the first choice for perioperative treatment, adjuvant therapy, and palliative care for patients with advanced GC. Cisplatin (DDP) is an antineoplastic agent that has been used clinically for decades, and it is the first-line chemotherapy for many solid tumors. However, the therapeutic efficacy of DDP is often limited by resistance and the complexity of its resistance mechanisms, which involve multiple proteins and signaling pathways. It is well documented that a variety of microRNAs (miRNAs) differentially expressed in DDP-resistant GC cells play important roles in regulating or reversing DDP resistance via various pathways. In this review, we first provide an introduction to the cytotoxicity and major resistance mechanisms of DDP in GC and then discuss the role and mechanism of miRNAs in regulating the DDP resistance process in GC cells. This work demonstrates the potential of relevant miRNAs to become diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for gastric cancer and targets of action to enhance chemosensitivity and provides directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biomass-based surfactants have excellent surface activities, showing the common characteristics of natural biomass including biocompatibility, biodegradability and non-toxicity, which are environmental-friendly and accord with the green development direction. In this study, a keratin based quaternary ammonium salt surfactant (denoted as E-K) was prepared by cationic modification of keratin with epoxypropyldodecyldimethylammonium chloride (EPDDMAC). The characterization of E-K by FTIR and the conversion rate of -NH2 in keratin confirmed the successful preparation of E-K. Subsequently, surface activity such as surface tension (γcmc) and critical micelle concentration (cmc), physicochemical properties such as HLB value, isoelectric point, foaming property and emulsifying property, as well as antibacterial activity and biodegradability were investigated. The results show that E-K possesses good surface activity, acceptable emulsifying and foaming ability. The HLB of E-K is 14-15, and it has excellent compatibility with commercial surfactants commonly used in hair care products. Particularly, E-K is a betaine zwitterionic surfactant, and its isoelectric point increases from 3.8 to 9.2 due to cationization. This means that the quaternized keratin hydrolysate is easily adsorbed on the hair surface, and makes the hair surface smoother and denser, which was proved by the adsorption test and SEM observation. Furthermore, E-K has outstanding antibacterial activity against E. coli and S. aureus, and the BOD5/CODCr value indicated that it is easily biodegradable. Therefore, the prepared biomass-based surfactant (E-K) has great potential application in hair care products and other products related to antibacterial and biodegradable surfactants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to explore the factors associated with the sexual needs and behaviours among elderly men living with HIV/AIDS in Chongqing, China. The study used a cross-sectional design. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews using a structured questionnaire by convenience sampling from July to December 2021. The chi-squared test and logistic regression were conducted to identify factors associated with sexual needs and behaviours. In total, 63.70% of participants (493/774) reported having sexual needs. Individuals aged 50–59 years (odds ratio [OR] = 7.257, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.620, 11.401) and those who were married or cohabiting (OR = 1.595, 95% CI: 1.133, 2.246) reported high sexual needs. Among those with sexual needs, 69.17% (341/493) reported having sex in the past year. In total, 11.37% (40/341) and 9.68% (33/341) reported having commercial and casual sex, respectively. Participants aged 60–69 years (OR = 2.175, 95% CI: 1.128, 4.193), those who were married or cohabiting (OR = 3.371, 95% CI: 2.192, 5.184) and individuals who were employed (OR = 2.301, 95% CI: 1.339, 3.954) had higher odds of engaging in sexual behaviour, while participants with an awareness of AIDS-related knowledge (OR = 0.504, 95% CI: 0.307, 0.829) and those who had ≥1 year of antiretroviral therapy (ART) (ART 1–2 years: OR = 0.374, 95% CI: 0.176, 0.795; ART ≥3 years: OR = 0.429, 95% CI: 0.218, 0.846) had a lower likelihood of engaging in sexual behaviour. The sexual needs and behaviours of elderly men living with HIV/AIDS in Chongqing, China, remain at a high level. There was a discrepancy between sexual needs and behaviours among elderly men living with HIV/AIDS. Continuous dissemination of sexual health education and the promotion of condom use are necessary. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Schistosoma japonicum infection is an important public health problem and the S. japonicum infection is associated with a variety of diseases, including colorectal cancer. We collected the paraffin samples of CRC patients with or without S. japonicum infection according to standard procedures. Data-Independent Acquisition was used to identify differentially expressed proteins (DEPs), protein–protein interaction (PPI) network construction, Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) functional enrichment analysis and machine learning algorithms (least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression) were used to identify candidate genes for diagnosing CRC with S. japonicum infection. To assess the diagnostic value, the nomogram and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were developed. A total of 115 DEPs were screened, the DEPs that were discovered were mostly related with biological process in generation of precursor metabolites and energy,energy derivation by oxidation of organic compounds, carboxylic acid metabolic process, oxoacid metabolic process, cellular respiration aerobic respiration according to the analyses. Enrichment analysis showed that these compounds might regulate oxidoreductase activity, transporter activity, transmembrane transporter activity, ion transmembrane transporter activity and inorganic molecular entity transmembrane transporter activity. Following the development of PPI network and LASSO, 13 genes (hsd17b4, h2ac4, hla-c, pc, epx, rpia, tor1aip1, mindy1, dpysl5, nucks1, cnot2, ndufa13 and dnm3) were filtered, and 3 candidate hub genes were chosen for nomogram building and diagnostic value evaluation after machine learning. The nomogram and all 3 candidate hub genes (hsd17b4, rpia and cnot2) had high diagnostic values (area under the curve is 0.9556). The results of our study indicate that the combination of hsd17b4, rpia, and cnot2 may become a predictive model for the occurrence of CRC in combination with S. japonicum infection. This study also provides new clues for the mechanism research of S. japonicum infection and CRC. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

International trade frictions have changed the business environment of enterprises. However, how do these changes influence the behavioral decisions of enterprises, and will this further affect enterprise competitiveness? Exploring these questions will help determine the influencing mechanism of external negative impacts, such as international trade frictions, on the competitiveness of entity enterprises. In this study, the influences of China-U.S. trade friction, which served as an exogenous research event, on the competitiveness of entity enterprises were empirically analyzed via a difference-in-difference (DID) model with semiannual report information of Chinese nonfinancial A-share listed companies in 2016 to 2020 as research samples. Research results show that the China-U.S. trade friction promotes enterprises to enlarge their financial asset investment by changing the business environment of enterprises. Moreover, this friction further weakens the enterprise competitiveness, an essential element of industrial investments. As revealed by further heterogeneity analysis, the China-U.S. trade friction has generated heterogenous influences on enterprise competitiveness in the aspects of investment motives, industry, competition status, and internal governance mechanism. In this study, two types of enterprise competitiveness elements—environment and resources—were included into the same research framework, and the category of theoretical research on the connotation of enterprise competitiveness was expanded. Moreover, this research provided new scenes and evidence for identifying the causal relationships of the impacts of exogenous negative events with the financial behaviors and competitiveness of entity enterprises, Furthermore, it rendered countermeasure paths and policy suggestions for scientifically coping with international trade frictions and enhancing the competitiveness of entity enterprises. Subject Classification Codes: F51; G31; G32; L25 Plain Language Summary: International Trade Frictions and Competitiveness of Entity Enterprises from the Perspective of Financialization This study empirically analyzes the influences of Sino-US trade friction, which served as an exogenous research event, on the competitiveness of entity enterprises via a difference-in-difference model with semiannual report of Chinese nonfinancial A-share listed companies in 2016–2020 as research samples. The results show that the Sino-US trade friction has weakened the competitiveness of entity enterprises. To be specific, such a trade friction promotes enterprises to enlarge their financial asset investment by changing the business environment of enterprises and further weakens the enterprise competitiveness element–industrial investments. On this basis, we also make further heterogeneity analysis test from the perspective of industries, companies' behavioral motives, competitive status and internal governance mechanism. The study (1) enriches the research related to the economic consequences of international trade frictions, (2) expands the category of theoretical research on the connotation of enterprise competitiveness by integrating two types of enterprise competitiveness elements—environment and resources—into the same research framework, (3) expands the research scope of financialization studies of industrial companies, (4) provides new scenes and evidence for identifying the causal relationships of the impacts of exogenous negative events with the financial behaviors and competitiveness of entity enterprises, (5) renders countermeasure paths and policy suggestions for scientifically coping with international trade frictions and enhancing the competitiveness of entity enterprises. However, restricted by data sources and research perspectives, this study investigated the industrial competitiveness of enterprises on the basis of the presumption of their excessive attention to financial asset investments and neglect of industrial investments. And future research must further optimize the financialization measurement of entity enterprises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring one's learning activities is a key component of self-regulated learning (SRL) leading to successful learning and performance outcomes across settings. Achievement emotions also play an important part in SRL and consequently student learning outcomes. However, there is little research on how specific types of monitoring (i.e. Feeling-of-Knowing, Judgement-of-Learning) and achievement emotions jointly affect performance in clinical reasoning within computer simulated environments. In this study, we explored the joint predictive value of monitoring judgements and achievement emotions in medical students' ability to make accurate and efficient clinical diagnoses using BioWorld, a computer-based learning environment designed to help medical students practice clinical reasoning skills. Multiple types of data (log files, verbal protocols, self-report questionnaires) from 27 students were analyzed using text mining and linear mixed-effects models. We found that feeling-of-knowing judgements positively predicted diagnostic efficiency whereas judgement-of-learning and the achievement emotion of anger negatively predicted diagnostic efficiency. Achievement emotion of pride positively predicted confidence in diagnosing the case correctly. This study not only provides theoretical and methodological insights but also alert medical instructors to the many dimensions of diagnostic performances and effective intervention strategies in clinical reasoning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Medical students use a variety of self‐regulated learning (SRL) strategies in different medical reasoning (MR) processes to solve patient cases of varying complexity. However, the interplay between SRL and MR processes is still unclear. Objectives: This study investigates how self‐regulated learning (SRL) and medical reasoning (MR) occurred concurrently in medical students while completing a diagnostic task in an intelligent tutoring system. This study aims to provide new insights into performance differences between high‐ and low‐achieving students in tasks of varying complexity. Methods: Thirty‐one medical students (67.6% female) from a large North American university were tasked with solving two virtual patient cases in an intelligent tutoring system, BioWorld. BioWorld was designed for medical students to practice clinical reasoning skills deliberately. We collected students' think‐aloud protocols, based on which we coded their use of SRL behaviours and medical reasoning activities. We analysed the co‐occurrences of SRL behaviours and medical reasoning activities using the epistemic network analysis (ENA) method. Results: The SRL behaviour self‐reflection and MR activity lines of reasoning co‐occurred more frequently in a difficult task than in an easy task. In both tasks, high performers demonstrated more co‐occurrences of self‐reflection and lines of reasoning than low performers. Moreover, the MR activity conceptual operations co‐occurred more frequently with the SRL activities of monitoring and evaluation among high performers compared to low performers in an easy task. Implications: The co‐occurrences of SRL behaviours and MR processes account for students' performance differences. The design of computer‐based learning environments for clinical reasoning should promote the acquisition of both SRL and medical reasoning abilities. Moreover, medical educators should consider task complexity when scaffolding. Lay Description: What is already known about this topic: Self‐regulated learning (SRL) and medical reasoning skills are both crucial for diagnosing patients.Medical students can practice clinical reasoning with computer simulations. What this paper adds: Students solved virtual patients of varying complexity in an intelligent tutoring systemWe examined the co‐occurrences of SRL behaviours and medical reasoning process.Epistemic network analysis was used to analyse the interplay of SRL and medical reasoning.High performers show more co‐occurrences of reflection and higher‐order reasoning. Implications for practice and/or policy: Task complexity has impact on students' learning and reasoning co‐occurrences.Intelligent tutoring systems should foster regulation and reasoning acquisition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we establish two types of the Hartman–Wintner law of the iterated logarithm under sublinear expectations, especially for pseudo-independent random variables with the finite quadratic Choquet expectations, which generalizes the existing results for independent and identically distributed sequences. But unlike the classical situation, one counterexample is provided to show that the Hartman–Wintner law of the iterated logarithm may fail on the sublinear expectation space only with the finite second moment condition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding variations in the temporal and spatial distribution of vegetation phenology is essential for adapting to and mitigating future climate change and urbanization. However, there have been limited vegetation phenology studies within small-scale areas such as urban environments over the past decades. Therefore, the present study focuses on Jinan city, Shandong Province, China as the study area and employs a more refined local climate zone (LCZ) approach to investigate spatial and temporal variations in vegetation phenology. The three phenological indicators used in this study from 2007 to 2018, namely, the start of growing season (SOS), the end of growing season (EOS), and the length of growing season (LOS), were provided by MODIS satellite data. The SOS, EOS, and LOS were superimposed on the LCZ and urban–rural gradient to analyze the changes in vegetation phenology, and the applicability of these two analysis methods in the study of urban vegetation phenology was compared by the honest significant difference test. We found that the SOS, EOS, and LOS of vegetation in the study area generally showed an advance, delay, and extension trend, respectively. The means of the SOS and EOS along different LCZ types varied noticeably more than those along urban–rural gradients. In 2016, 77.5%, 80.0%, and 75.8% of LCZ pairs indicated statistically significant differences for SOS, EOS, and LOS, respectively. This study provides a new perspective for the study of urban vegetation phenology which can help in management of urban-scale environments, identification of areas rich in biodiversity, and conservation and restoration of biodiversity in urban areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tyrosine kinase Fyn is a member of the Src family of kinases. In addition to the wild type, three mRNA splice isoforms of Fyn have been identified; Fyn-B, Fyn-T, and Fyn-C. Fyn-T is highly expressed in T lymphocytes, and its expression level is significantly higher in mature T cells than in immature T cells. The abnormal expression of Fyn is closely related to the metabolism, proliferation, and migration of tumor cells. Recent studies have shown that Fyn is expressed in a variety of tumor tissues, and its expression and function vary among different tumors. In some tumors, Fyn acts as a pro-oncogene to promote tumor proliferation and metastasis. Moreover, Fyn mutations have been detected in many hematological tumors in recent years, suggesting a critical regulatory role of Fyn in the development of malignancies. Methods: This review analyzed the relevant literature in PubMed and other databases. Purpose: The aim of this study was to systemically review recent research findings on various aspects of Fyn in the pathogenesis and treatment of different types of hematological malignancies and suggests possible future research directions for targeted tumor therapy. Conclusion: Fyn could be a novel prognostic marker and therapeutic target. Treatment option targeting Fyn might be beneficial for future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Catalyzed by BiCl3, aromatic o-diamines reacted with ketones efficiently to produce 1,5-benzodiazepines in good to excellent yields by condensation–cyclization reaction. Using aldehydes as substrates, mono- or disubstituted benzimidazoles were obtained as the final products. All reactions were carried out under mild reaction conditions and showed good functional group compatibility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A potassium carbonate promoted tandem oxy-Michael addition/cyclization of α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds with naphthol derivatives for the synthesis of 2-substituted naphthopyrans was developed. Using the readily available, inexpensive potassium carbonate as the promoter, a range of different substituted naphthopyrans were prepared. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Precise and reliable presentation of odorants to animals is crucial for olfactory studies. Although odor stimulation systems in anesthetized or awake, head‐fixed animals are well established, temporally precise odor presentation in awake, freely moving animals remains a challenge. Here, we describe a new odor stimulation system which presents odors directly to the nostrils of freely moving mice. The system comprises 3 modules: an odor‐delivery module, an odor‐generation module, and a control module. The new system is precise and temporally reliable, and odor stimulation can be triggered by specific sniffing phases or other events. Moreover, the system can be combined with neural recordings, such as electrophysiology, and olfactory behavioral tests to investigate how neurons in the brain represent odor information during individual olfactory behaviors. This innovative odor stimulation system may replace traditional stimulation systems: It will enable precise odor presentation in a wide range of olfactory studies in freely moving animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new (1 and 2), together with five known (3–7) stilbene derivatives, were isolated from the tubers of Bletilla striata. The structures of these new compounds were elucidated by means of spectroscopic methods, while the known compounds were identified by comparison their data with those in the literature. Compounds 1 and 2 were tested for their anti-tobacco mosaic virus (anti-TMV) activities. The results revealed that 1 and 2 exhibited potential anti-TMV activities with inhibition rates of 31.5 and 30.6%, respectively, and these rates were close to that of a positive control. Compounds 1 and 2 were also tested for their anti-rotavirus activities, and compounds 1 and 2 showed potential activities with therapeutic index (TI) values of 15.5 and 16.2, respectively. These values are lower than that of a positive control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The intrinsic De-NO x characteristic of CuO and Cu 2 O was revealed. • Strong dehydrogenation capacity of Cu2+ and adsorption ability of Cu+ were proved. • The synergistic promote effect of Cu2+ and Cu+ over NH 3 -SCR was confirmed. • The denitration mechanism over CuO and Cu 2 O at different temperatures was identified. Understanding the effect of CuO x valence state specifically is significant for constructing high-performance Cu based oxide catalyst for low-temperature selective catalytic reduction of NO with NH 3 (NH 3 -SCR). In this work, CuO x with different valence state including Cu 2 O, Cu 2 O-CuO and CuO particles are synthetized as model catalysts, which present same variation laws in catalytic performance at 180 ℃, 210 ℃ and 240 ℃. NH 3 -SCR catalytic performance of Cu 2 O-CuO heterojunction is the best, CuO exhibits good catalytic activity, while Cu 2 O possesses excellent N 2 selectivity. Experimental results combined with density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that Cu2+ favor to form monodentate nitrate and possess strong ability of activation and dehydrogenation of NH 3. The energy barrier for the form of NH 2 * is 79.5 kJ/mol, which is much lower than that for Cu+. While Cu+ is beneficial to NH 3 and NO x adsorption and the form of bidentate nitrate, which have a positive impact on improving the selectivity of N 2. Moreover, the collaboration of Cu2+ and Cu+ facilitates the redox capability and the form of surface adsorbed oxygen species, thus the reaction progress is further promoted. The SCR reaction catalyzed by three samples are dominated mainly by Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) mechanism at 180 ℃. While at 240 ℃, the reaction over Cu 2 O follows Eley-Rideal (E-R) mechanism, during which the rate-limiting step is the internal hydrogen transfer procedure (NH 2 NO*→NHNOH*). Over CuO, the reaction follows L-H mechanism, the process of atomic isomerism (NHNOH*+ *→N 2 *+H 2 O*) is the rate-determining step. The energy barriers are 136 and 146 kJ/mol, respectively. This work may supply important theoretical support for the preparation of high-performance Cu-based oxide catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

SnSe based compounds have attracted much attention due to the ultra-low lattice thermal conductivity and excellent thermoelectric properties. The origin of the low thermal conductivity has been ascribed to the strong phonon anharmonicity. Generally, the microstructures are also effective in scattering the phonons and further reducing the lattice thermal conductivity. In this work, the microstructures of undoped SnSe and Bi-doped Sn0.97SeBi0.03 have been investigated by transmission electron microscopy. A characteristic microstructure of lath-like grains has been observed in SnSe based compounds from perpendicular to the pressure direction. In addition, there exist a large quantity of low-angle grain boundaries and a high concentration of edge dislocations and stacking faults in the grains. All these microstructures result in lattice mismatch and distortion and can act as the phonon scattering centers, which broaden the understanding of the low thermal conductivity of SnSe based compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]